Gold Coast Titans to seek new hooker

The Gold Coast Titans must now embark on the search for a new hooker in the wake of Nathan Friend’s bombshell that he will most likely quit the club at the end of the year.

As reported exclusively in the Gold Coast Bulletin today, Friend has fielded lucrative offers from several rival NRL clubs, with the New Zealand Warriors believed to be favourites to snare his signature for 2012.

Friend is expected to make a final decision on his future as early as today.

The Titans will first look in-house to find his replacement, opening the door for highly-touted under-20s rake Matt Srama and fellow promising youngster Kayne Lawton to make their mark.

Riley Brown, who has filled in for Friend throughout the early rounds, also shapes as viable option.